St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Sacraments of Reconciliation & Holy Eucharist

Preparation Guide

2015-2016

Do this in memory of me…

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC PAGE

DRE …………………………………………………………………………………………… 3

Sacrament Preparation Information …………………………………………. 4

Archdiocesian Guidelines for the Reception of Sacraments .........4

Parents as Primary Educators of their Children …………………………. 4

Sacrament date and time ………………………………………………………….. 5

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION ……………………………………. 5

What is the Sacrament Called …………………………………………………… 6

What are the Elements of the Sacrament …………………………………. 6

Examination of Conscience ……………………………………………………….. 6

Rite of the Sacrament of Reconciliation …………………………………….. 6

On the Day of the Sacrament ………………………………………………………8

Parental Blessing of the Child ………………………………………………………9

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY EUCHARIST ………………………………………10

About The Eucharist …………………………………………………………………….10

Teaching your Child About the Mass ……………………………………………10

PREP LEVEL CURRICULUM …………………………………………………………..11

On the Day of the Sacrament ………………………………………………………11

Reception of the Sacrament for Catholic School Students ………….. 14

Foundation Prayers to be committed to Memory ……………………….14 &15

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Saint Cyril of Jerusalem R.C. Church1410 Almshouse Road; Jamison, PA 18929

Telephone: 215-343-3139www.saint-cyril.com

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am delighted to welcome you to the second year of your child’s religious education at St. Cyril’s PREP. This is a very special year in their faith development and one in which your child will experience for the first time the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Also, they will have the privilege of receiving for the first time the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist – the source and summit of our Catholic faith.

We will continue the Loyola Press program “Finding God-Our Response to God’s Gifts.” Through this series the students will enter into a deeper relationship with God and the Catholic Church.

As parents and guardians, you will need to be involved throughout the year in leading and guiding your children with their religious studies and being an example of a true follower of Jesus Christ. I implore you to devote the same or more time, than you do for their extracurricular activities in school and in the community, to help them to grow in their love and knowledge of God.

This guide as been prepared as a resource for your use throughout the year and contains pertinent information about your child’s privilege of receiving the sacraments. Should you have questions please do not hesitate to contact your child’s catechist, our PREP staff or me.

+ May Christ enlighten your hearts and minds, now and for ever.

Deacon Joe

Deacon Joseph T. Owen, MADirector of Religious Education

SACRAMENT PREPARATION INFORMATION3

1) Archdiocese of Philadelphia Policy for the reception of sacraments;

A student must receive two (2) consecutive years of Religious Education to be eligible to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance), Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.

Each parish prepares their own sacrament programs within the guidelines promulgated by the Archdiocesian Office of Catechetical Formation.

Children are required to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) in the parish in which their family is registered.

2) St. Cyril of Jerusalem Policy for the reception of sacraments:

Children must be baptized The child’s family is registered in St. Cyril of Jerusalem parish Parents must be active participants of the Catholic faith who regularly attend Sunday Mass,

Holy Days of Obligation Parents’ participation in the preparation process is critical and they are expected to assist their

children with home assignments throughout the process. Children must have regular class attendance, complete all assigned projects, and participate in

practice sessions and First Eucharist retreat.

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA GUIDELINES FOR RECEPTION OF THE SACRAMENTS

1. Reception of the Sacrament : The Sacraments of First Reconciliation (Penance), First Eucharist (Communion) and Confirmation are ordinarily to be received in one’s own parish church. Children attending a consolidated school, regional school, a neighboring parish school or religious education program, therefore, should receive their First Penance, First Communion and Confirmation in their own parish church rather than in the church of the host parish that is providing the school facility for their Catholic Education. (Archdiocese of Philadelphia. August 14, 2006)

2. Age for the Reception Sacrament : “The ages for reception of First Holy Communion* and Confirmation will remain at the ages currently utilized in the parish.” (Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. Nov. 20. 2012.)

Therefore, the reception of the Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be in PREP Level 2 and the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation will be in PREP Level 6.

Catholic school students will receive the sacraments in the grade year designated by theparish elementary school they are attending BUT the reception of the sacrament will be at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Parish.

*although not specified in the letter it is understood that the reception of First Penance follows mandates for First Holy Communion

PARENTS ARE THE PRIMARY EDUCATORS OF THEIR CHILDREN IN FAITH

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“Parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it.” (Declaration on Christian Education-Vatican II)

“Parents have the right and duty to be intimately involved in preparing their children for First Communion. Catechesis aims to help parents grow in understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist and participate in catechizing their children.” (Sharing the Light of Faith” National Catechetical Director for Catholics in the U.S. 1979)

2016 SACRAMENT DATES

First Sacrament of Reconciliation – Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in the church

(Children attending an archdiocesian or private Catholic school have the choice to receive this sacrament at St. Cyril’s or with their class at the school they attend.)

First Holy Eucharist – Sunday, April 24, 2016, 12:00 p.m. Mass (Practice April 21st) &

Sunday, May 1, 2016, 12:00 p.m. Mass (Practice April 28th) (Children will be assigned a date and parents will be notified of the assignment no later than November 2015)

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

The Lord Jesus Christ who forgave sins of the sick and restored them to bodily health and who willed that his Church continue, in the power of the Holy Spirit, his work of healing and salvation, even among her own members. Those who approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation obtain pardon through God’s mercy for the offense committed against him. At the same time they are reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins.

WHAT IS THE SACRAMENT CALLED?

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Today, we know this sacrament by several titles, sacrament of conversion, sacrament of penance, sacrament of confession and sacrament of forgiveness. To gain a clearer understanding of these titles the following excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church1are presented

Sacrament of Conversion – because it makes sacramentally present Jesus’ call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father from whom one has strayed by sin.

Sacrament of Penance – since it consecrates the Christian sinner’s personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction.

Sacrament of Confession – since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. It is also a “confession” - acknowledgement and praise – of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man.

Sacrament of Forgiveness – by the priest’s sacramental absolution God grants the penitent “pardon and peace.”

Sacrament of Reconciliation – because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles.

WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION?

There are four (4) main elements of the Sacrament of Reconciliation:

1. Contrition – the most important act of the penitent (a person who repents of their sins) which is heartfelt sorrow and aversion for the sin committed along with the intention of sinning no more.

2. Confession – the confessing of sins (telling) comes from the true knowledge of self before God and from contrition for those sins. This includes the inner examination of conscience and of the heart and made in the light of God’s mercy.

3. Penance – an action of atonement for sins committed by changing one’s life and rectifying injuries done.

4. Absolution – through the sign of absolution by the priest God’s grants pardon to sinners

AN EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE FOR CHILDREN’S FIRST RECONCILIATION

1 Catechism of the Catholic Church, Image Book, 1995, par.1422-236

The penitent should compare their own life with the example and commandments of Christ as appropriate for their age.

Responsibilities to God:

Have I prayed every day to God?Have I been going to Mass every Sunday? - Or do I go to sports, dancing, Karate, and other activitiesHave I said bad words that hurt others and God?Have I bullied or made fun of others?Have I read or viewed things on the internet or TV that were bad or evil?Have I been paying attention at Mass on Sunday?

Responsibilities to Others:

Have I been doing what my parents want me to do?Have I lied to my parents, friends, or others?Have I talked back to parents, teachers or other adults?Have I told untrue stories about others?Have I stolen anything?Have I done what I am expected to do such as homework and chores around my house?Have I been jealous toward or disliked other people?Have I been selfish with my time ignoring others and only played with the cell phone, computer, I-pad, I-pod, tablet, etc.?

RITE OF SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:

PENITENT (child): In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.PRIEST: May the Lord be in your heart and help you to confess your sins with sorrow.

PENITENT: Bless me Father for I have sinned. This is my first confession. [Note: for future confessions say: It has been (# of months) since my last confession.]PENITENT: At this time confess your sins.PRIEST: The priest gives a penance, and then asks the penitent to say the Act of Contrition (Sorrow)

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PENITENT: My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more And to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Amen

PENTENT: Listen to the priest as he gives you advice on how to be a better follower of Jesus

PRIEST: Gives absolution praying the words: “God, the Father of Mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son, has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church, may God give you pardon and peace and… I absolve you from your sins and bless you…in the name of Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

PENITENT: Amen

PRIEST: Give thanks to the Lord

PENITENT: His mercy endures forever.

PRIEST: The Lord freed you from your sins. Go in peace.

PENITENT: Thank you, Father

ON THE DAY OF THE SACRAMENT

All children are to arrive no later than 10:15 a.m. as the Sacrament of Reconciliation is scheduled to be administered at 10:30 a.m.

Upon arrival please report to the registration table in the Narthex

DRESS CODE - All children, parents/guardians, quests are required to dress appropriately in recognition of the sacredness of the sacrament. Please no jeans, sports attire, sneakers, T-shirts, etc.

SEATING – Families are to proceed to the front of the Church and select a pew on either side of the center aisle.

CONFESSION PROCEDURE –

1. Parents/guardians will lead their child to the location to receive the sacrament 2. Approaching the priest they will introduce their child 3. Present him/her for the reception of the sacrament4. Return to their pew

Upon completion of the reception of the sacrament, the child will return to the family’s pew and pray the prayer of penance. During this time parents should not speak with the child and create a quiet time.

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MOM & DAD BLESS THEIR CHILD

Parents are invited to proceed to the baptismal font located to the left of the sanctuary to bless their child. To perform the blessing…each parent is to dip their thumb into the blessed water and trace the sign of the cross on their child’s forehead. A card containing the words of the blessing will be at the font.

Teachers and the PREP staff will be available to assist parents/guardians.

Parents/guardians are invited to partake in the Sacrament of Reconciliation after all the children have done so.

Parents/guardians and child may leave immediately after the child and/or parents/guardians confessions.

The Children’s First Reconciliation Certificate is available in the Narthex

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THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY EUCHARIST

ABOUT THE EUCHARIST

Eucharist is a Greek word meaning thanksgiving. When we celebrate the Eucharist every Sunday we bless God and thank God for creation, for redeeming us and making us holy.

The Eucharist is the “source and summit” of the Christian life. The other sacraments and indeed all Church ministries and works of the apostolate are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ Himself. We recognize that Christ is with us in the Breaking of the Bread; all of us who eat the one broken bread who is Christ enter into communion with him and form one body with him.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1390) gives assurance that Christ is present in a sacramental way under each form – the bread and the wine – and that receiving only the bread (the host) brings all the grace of the Eucharist. At the same time, “the sign of communion is more complete when given under both kinds, since in that form the sign of the Eucharistic meal appears more clearly.”

When we pray the Eucharist Prayer during the Mass the sacrifice of Christ becomes present to us once more, we then offer this sacrifice of praise to God in thanksgiving as we recall the Holy Sacrifice. The expression Sacred Mysteries reminds us that here in this celebration the whole of the Church’s life of prayer and worship finds its source.

TEACHING YOUR CHILD ABOUT THE MASS

As a Catholic Christian parent you should help your child to focus on the parts of the Mass and their meaning. The attention span of a child is very short and they will need encouragement from you to concentrate. You can help them to focus at different moments in the Mass such as:

The Gathering Rite – As Mass begins invite your child to pray for all those they know who are in the church today

The Penitential Rite – Remind your child to think about someone they would like to be sorry to for something they may have done

The Gloria – Encourage your child to sing with the angels and tell God how happy they are

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TEACHING YOUR CHILD ABOUT THE MASS (cont’d)

Scripture Readings – Help your child to particularly listen to the words of the Gospel and what Jesus is saying today to us

The Creed – When we are saying the Creed together point out that where we say I Believe in God, Jesus, Holy Spirit and the Church

General Intercessions – Invite your child to remember someone they would like to pray for

Presentation of the Gifts - Help your child name the gifts they are bringing to Jesus this week

Preface of the Mass – Invite your child to remember all the things they want to thank God for this week.

Eucharist Prayer – Invite your child to thank Jesus for giving his life for us and to us

The Great Amen – Help your child to see that we are saying Amen to three things: 1. to the real presence of Christ to us, 2. to the presence of Christ in us and 3. to the presence of Christ in others

Receiving Holy Communion – Invite your child to pray quietly and to help them see this as a special moment for meeting Jesus

Blessing and Mission – Invite your child to think about how they will bring God’s love to others during the week

PREP LEVEL 2 CURRICULUM

Theme: I am the True Vine – Eucharist and Reconciliation – 2013, Loyola Press, Chicago, IL.

Textbook: “Finding God-Our Response to God’s Gift”

PREP Lesson Plans: Posted on our website at www.saint-cyril.com

Parents can locate resources at: www.FindingGod.com … children materials are located on this website including study guides for lesson overviews for students to learn and for parents to stay informed; also there are Interactive Session Reviews for ongoing reviews to help children retain knowledge; Fishers of Faith Game for fun and is interactive for reviewing session content.

Other Resources:

New American Bible – The Catholic Study Bible, Oxford University Press, 1990 Catechism of the Catholic Church, An Image Book published by Double Day, 1995

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Learning Objectives:

During the second half of the year we continue to emphasize teaching the children about God, the Catholic faith and the meaning of receiving Holy Eucharist and how it helps us to be better people and better Catholics.

We accomplish this using an academic approach and count on you to not only reinforce the lessons your children learn but also by practical application such as praying as a family, attending Mass regularly, reading the bible and most importantly demonstrating your faith on a daily basis.

Using the “Finding God” series for Level 2 we teach the children to recognize the presence of God in the sacraments and in their communities of faith, and realize the presence of God in their experience of God’s creation all around them and in their daily lives.

U nit 1- Sessions 1 thru 5 – focuses on God’s creation and our responsibility to love and care for it. In this unit the children will learn the following concepts:

God creates us in his image and he loves us and wants us to be happy; God gives us Jesus and we explore this greatest gift of his Son; God is Our Father and we know his love for us through his Son, Jesus Christ and are taught to place our

trust in God, our loving Father; God’s life for us is revealed by listening to the Holy Spirit where we gain insight into ourselves, our

relationships with others and our world; learning the meaning of ordinary time in the church’s liturgical year, why we celebrate it and explore

why we celebrate in our church.

Unit 2-Sessions 1 thru 5 – focuses on how we can follow God’s way through Jesus’ example of love. I this unit the children will learn the following concepts:

Jesus is faithful to the Ten Commandments and with God’s help we can follow the commandments and live together in peace;

Jesus saves us and is our model of love and goodness in our lives. We bring love and goodness to others by following Jesus’ example;

Jesus calls us to love and invites us to be closer to God and that everyone is welcome in God’s kingdom. Jesus left us the Church to help us follow His example;

Jesus cares for us which is described in the parable of the Good Shepherd which teaches us about the Good Shepherd who searched until he found his sheep;

Learn the meaning of Advent, why we celebrate it and explore how the Season of Advent is celebrated in our Church.

Unit 3-Sessions 1 thru 5 – focuses on staying close to Jesus through the sacraments. In this unit the children will learn the following concepts:

We worship God which we learn through the parable of the vine and the branches which teaches us that Jesus is our source of life;

Celebrating Reconciliation which we learn the story of Zacchaeus – the Christian model of taking responsibility for our offenses – that shows us how lives are changed when touched by the forgiveness of Jesus;

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is explained by the story of Jesus offering forgiveness and healing to the man who was paralyzed. Sins wounds and isolates us from God but the Sacrament of Reconciliation brings God’s healing and enables us to make peace with God and with others;

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The Blessed Mother shows us the way. Mary is a model for following God. Learn the meaning of celebrating Christmas, why we celebrate it and explore how Christmas is

celebrated in our Church.

Unit 4-Sessions 1 thru 5 – focuses on meeting Jesus in the Sacraments of Initiation. In this unit the children will learn the following concepts:

New life in Jesus is discovered by exploring the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. Baptism is the beginning of our new life in Christ. Confirmation strengthens our commitment to Christ. The Eucharist nourishes us on our faith journey;

Jesus loves His Church which is revealed by focusing on the celebrations of Baptism and the Eucharist. Our Church celebrates the Eucharist (sacrifice of the Mass) recalling Jesus dying for us and saved us from our sins;

Attending Mass is important and the readings from the Liturgy of the Word are inspired by God; Celebrating the Eucharist at Mass is the most important way we pray as Catholics. Jesus shared himself

with the apostles at the Last Supper and continues to share himself with us today in the Eucharist; Learn the meanings of Lent and Holy Week, why we celebrate them and explore how Lent and Holy

Week are celebrated in our Church.

Unit 5-Sessions 1 thru 5 – focuses on living like Jesus. In this unit the children will learn the following concepts: Being like Jesus is showed by reading about St. Martin of Tours and the Good Samaritan who are

examples of people who reached out to help those in need. Jesus showed us how to love others through his words and actions;

We share God’s life which helps us in difficult times. We sometimes have to make difficult choices. We focus on how – with the help of the Holy Spirit, the Bible and special people in our lives – we can make good moral choices;

How to follow Jesus - Jesus teaches us his Great Commandment and the Beatitudes in order to guide us in our decision making and to help us become holy.

Making faith filled choices - how Jesus teaches us to respect people and their belongings. God wants us to live in mutual kindness and to be respectful of others in our words and actions.

Learn the meaning of Easter, why we celebrate it and explore how Easter is celebrated in our Church

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ON THE DAY OF THE SACRAMENT

Candidates are to arrive no later than 11:15 a.m. and proceed directly to the Daily Mass Chapel.

DRESS CODE - – Please be mindful of the sacredness of the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist and that reverence and respect are always required.

GIRLS – are little innocent children and should be dressed age appropriately. White dresses and white shoes are to be worn. The dress should cover the shoulders, no gowns with trains, no backless shoes or heels (could be unsafe as the child will climb the altar steps).

BOYS – boys are required to wear a suit or sports coat and dress pants slacks (parent’s choice of color) and a white tie. Dress shoes are to be worn, no sneakers, flip flops, sandals, etc.

SEATING – Children receiving their First Eucharist will be seated in the center two aisles. Families are to proceed to the front of the Church and select a pew on either side of the center aisle.

NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITTED DURING THE MASS…

FRANK BARBERA PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO will be located in the PREP classroom in the lower level of the rectory on both Sunday’s April 24h and May 1st. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 215-345-8388.

All mobile phones and other electronic devices should be deactivated during the Mass.

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FOUNDATIONAL PRAYERS TO BE MEMORIZED:

+ The Sign of the Cross + The Lord’s Prayer

+ The Hail Mary+ Glory be to the Father+ Apostles Creed+ Act of Contrition

Apostles Creed: I, believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;and in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born ofthe Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.He descended into Hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heavenand sits at the right hand of the Father almighty, from there He shall come to judge the livingand the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints,And the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen

Act of Contrition: My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Amen

THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS (an outward sign instituted by God to give grace)

o Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation > Sacraments of Initiationo Penance and Anointing of the sick> Sacraments of Healingo Holy Orders and Matrimony > Sacraments of Mission

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (God given rules to instill in our thinking the way of life to obey God) I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before me. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day. Honor your father and mother. You shall not kill. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

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